Superman director James Gunn reveals 'terrible' way Henry Cavill was fired from DC
Superman director James Gunn revealed the "terrible" way Henry Cavill was fired from his role as the iconic superhero. The Scooby Doo director was hired by Warner Bros to oversee the studio's DC movies after a series of failed projects, and one of his first jobs was to hire a new actor to take on the role of Clark Kent.
However, Warner Bros rashly told Henry he would come back as the beloved comic book character, leaving James the job of telling him he was actually fired. During his appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Guardians of the Galaxy director James said Henry was treated "unfairly" by the studio.
'It's terrible – believe it or not, the day we were dealing with trying to figure out if we could take the job at DC Studios, the day the deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back," he explained.
'I was like, 'What is going on? We know what the plan is. The plan was to come in and do Superman. It was really unfair to him and a total bummer.'
James, whose Superman reboot was recently released, said: "There was a vacuum at the time and a lot of people had a take on what they wanted to do at DC and they were trying to force their way and it was just never part of the equation.
'We came in, and that was really unfortunate. I'm like, 'This poor guy.'' Thankfully, Henry took the difficult news like an "absolute gentleman", as James praised the actor.
'He said, the only thing I ask is that I'm able to reveal it myself as opposed to coming from you guys.' And I'm like, 'That's a class act'," James added before saying he wants to work with Henry in a DC film in the future.
The current Clark Kent is David Corenswet, who recently admitted he tried to think of reasons not to take on the iconic role. In a recent interview, David revealed there was a moment he was hesitant about taking the role.
'A role like Superman seems like something that everybody would want, and that's not true. There are some people who wouldn't want that role and who would, if given the opportunity, say no. I am obviously not one of those people," he told GQ Hype.
"But I certainly tried to think of reasons not to. Ultimately, what I landed on for myself was, if this is the only role I get to play for the rest of my life, and that means whether I get to play it once or get to play it 10 times, would I still say yes? And the answer was yes."
During the same interview, director James discussed the box office pressure on the movie and said the movie "isn't the riskiest endeavour in the world".
It was reported online that the movie would need to earn $700 million minimum to be successful, but James called the reports "just complete and utter nonsense".
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Metro
44 minutes ago
- Metro
James Gunn admits Henry Cavill's Superman firing was 'terrible'
James Gunn has opened up on the 'really unfair' way Henry Cavill was fired from DC and his role as Superman. The Witcher star first appeared as the caped superhero in 2013's Man of Steel before starring as Superman in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He also appeared in Zack Snyder's Justice League in 2021 and made a cameo appearance in 2022's Black Adam. Cavill announced in 2022 he would be returning to the role in Gunn's reimagining of the franchise, only to walk back on his comments months later when he was let go by DC. Superman, released earlier this month, stars Pearl actor David Corenswet in the titular role instead. Recalling the incident, Gunn condemned DC Studios for their handling of Cavill's role in the film. 'It's terrible – believe it or not, the day we were dealing with trying to figure out if we could take the job at DC Studios, the day the deal closed, all of a sudden, they were announcing that Henry was back,' he told the Happy Sad Confused podcast. 'I was like, 'What is going on? We know what the plan is. The plan was to come in and do Superman. It was really unfair to him and a total bummer.' 'There was a vacuum at the time and a lot of people had a take on what they wanted to do at DC and they were trying to force their way and it was just never part of the equation.' He went on to say the situation was 'really unfortunate' and he felt for the 'poor guy', but that Cavill took the news like an 'absolute gentleman.' 'He said, 'The only thing I ask is that I'm able to reveal it myself as opposed to coming from you guys.' And I'm like, 'That's a class act',' he continued. Gunn also said he would love to have Cavill in a future DC film, revealing he 'talked to him about it on that day.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Cavill shared the news he would not be returning in an Instagram post, writing: 'I will, after all, not be returning as Superman. 'After being told by the studio to announce my return back in October, prior to their hire, this news isn't the easiest, but that's life. 'The changing of the guard is something that happens. I respect that. James and Peter have a universe to build. I wish them and all involved with the new universe the best of luck, and the happiest of fortunes.' Gunn's Superman was released on July 11 and currently holds an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes with several glowing reviews. It sees Corenswet's Superman drawn into conflict and the public questioning his actions, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) the opportunity to rid the world of Superman for good. On taking on the role and being propelled from a relative unknown actor to one of the world's most recognisable superheroes, Corenswet opened up to Metro about how he handled the news. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'Oh, I just played solitaire by myself and panicked quietly,' he said on the red carpet at London's Superman Fan Event. 'No, I had the opportunity to tell about six or seven people who I was close to and just kind of relished in this one hour where I had a big secret that nobody else knew about,' he continued. 'It's a rare moment in life, so I tried to be present with it and not be too overwhelmed. 'I got to tell my wife and a couple of family members and then just sat in a chair and waited for the news to break.' Thankfully, once David's not-so-secret identity had been exposed, he could rely on other actors who've slipped into Superman's red Speedos for advice. 'I was lucky enough to exchange letters with Tyler Hoechlin and Henry Cavill, two fellas who have played Superman before me,' he explained. Despite initial backlash over Cavill being replaced, Corenswet appears to have won fans over with his appearance in Gunn's Superman. More Trending 'There aren't enough words to describe just how much I love david corenswet as superman, and just how much of a masterpiece superman (2025) is,' Cntarogothic wrote on X. 'The thing is, sure, Henry Cavill played Superman, but David Corenswet IS Superman. Just, straight up,' Noodles_and_tea added. StacyH90 admitted: 'I was a big fan of Henry Cavill's Superman, and was bummed when it was clear we weren't getting more of him. But hot dayum David Corenswet really holds his own! He IS Superman! The man that could kill us all w/ a twitch of a finger but chooses to do good, saving squirrels too.' Cree reasoned: 'Henry Cavill and David Corenswet are both great Supermen who embody different ideals of the character and liking one more doesn't mean you have to hate the other'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Legendary sci-fi film dubbed 'one of the best ever made' streaming for free MORE: 'Worst film ever' ripped apart by critics in one-star reviews MORE: I Know What You Did Last Summer star left sobbing over original actor's 'iconic' return
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
‘Superman' flexes its might in second weekend with $57.3 million
James Gunn's 'Superman' showed staying power in its second weekend at North American box offices, collecting $57.3 million in ticket sales and remaining the No. 1 movie in cinemas, according to studio estimates Sunday. None of the week's new releases — 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' 'Smurfs,' and 'Eddington' — came close to touching Warner Bros. and DC Studios' superhero success. 'Superman' dipped 54% from its domestic opening, an average decline for a big summer film. In two weeks, 'Superman' has grossed $406.8 million worldwide, a good start for the movie DC Studios is banking on to restart its movie operations. A big test looms next weekend, when the Walt Disney Co. releases Marvel 's 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps.' Strong audience scores and good reviews should help propel the $225 million-budgeted 'Superman' toward profitability in the coming weeks. For Warner Bros. and DC Studios, 'Superman' is key to kicking off a 10-year plan for the comic book adaptation studio. Co-heads Gunn and Peter Safra were tasked with rehabilitating the flagging operation. Next on tap are the films 'Supergirl' and 'Clayface' in 2026. But 'Superman' is far from flying solo in theaters right now. Universal Pictures' 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' came in second this weekend, with $23.4 million in its third week of release. The seventh 'Jurassic' movie, this one starring Scarlett Johansson, held its own despite the competition from 'Superman.' In three weeks, it accrued $648 million worldwide. Apple Studios and Warner Bros.' 'F1: The Movie' has also shown legs, especially internationally. In its fourth weekend, the Brad Pitt racing drama dipped just 26% domestically, bringing in $9.6 million in North America, and another $29.5 million overseas. Its global total stands at $460.8 million. But both of the biggest new releases — Sony Pictures' 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and Paramount Pictures' 'Smurfs' — fell flat. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' opened with $13 million, a fair result for a movie budgeted at a modest $18 million, but a disappointing opening for a well-known horror franchise. The film, directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is set 27 years after the 1997 original. Teenagers played by Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders are again haunted for covering up a car accident. The movie's reviews (38% 'fresh' on Rotten Tomatoes) were poor for 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and audiences graded it similarly. The film notched a 'C+' on CinemaScore. The original collected $72.6 million in its domestic run in 1997. Paramount Pictures' 'Smurfs' debuted in fourth place this weekend with $11 million. The latest big-screen reboot for the woodland blue creatures prominently features Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette. But reviews (21% 'fresh' on Rotten Tomatoes) were terrible. Audiences were kinder, giving it a 'B+' on CinemaScore, but the $58 million-budgeted release will depend largely on its international sales. In 56 overseas markets, 'Smurfs' earned $22.6 million. Ari Aster's 'Eddington' opened with $4.2 million on 2,111 screens for A24. Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, 'Eddington' has been particularly divisive. The pandemic-set Western features Joaquin Phoenix as the right-wing sheriff of a small New Mexico town who faces off with its liberal mayor (Pedro Pascal). While Aster's first film, 2018's 'Heredity' ($82.8 million worldwide against a $10 million budget) helped establish A24 as an indie powerhouse, but the less-than-stellar launch of 'Eddington' marks the second box-office disappointment for Aster. His 2023 film 'Beau Is Afraid' cost $35 million to make but collected just $12.4 million worldwide. 'Eddington' cost about $25 million to produce. Audiences gave it a 'C+' on CinemaScore. None of Aster's previous films have been graded higher. Yet collectively, Hollywood is enjoying a very good summer. According to data firm Comscore, the 2025 summer box office is up 15.9% over the same period last year, with the year-to-date sales running 15% ahead of 2025. Summer ticket sales have amassed about $2.6 billion domestically, according to Comscore. Top 10 movies by domestic box office With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore: 1. 'Superman,' $57.3 million. 2. 'Jurassic World Rebirth,' $23.4 million. 3. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' $13 million. 4. 'Smurfs,' $11 million. 5, 'F1: The Movie,' $9.6 million. 6. 'How to Train Your Dragon,' $5.4 million. 7. 'Eddington,' $4.3 million. 8. 'Elio,' $2 million. 9. 'Lilo & Stitch,' $1.5 million. 10. '28 Years Later,' $1.3 million.
Metro
5 hours ago
- Metro
James Blunt slams Damon Albarn and 'sad human being' Noel Gallagher
James Blunt has made his feelings clear towards two fellow British music icons—Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn. The You're Beautiful hitmaker, 51, is famous for his sarcastic clapbacks on social media and putting haters in their place, as well as his lovey-dovey lyrics, of course. But this time, it's two celebs from his industry being shut down. Speaking to Jake Humphrey on the latest episode of High Performance, James recalled past comments from Oasis star Noel, 58, but revealed they've always been made behind his back, having already made it known he reckons Noel is 'two-faced'. 'Noel Gallagher's never said anything unkind to my face; he just always does it to your back when he's trying to flog music,' he told the podcast. 'And Noel Gallagher saying he can't live in Ibiza because I live down the road? Well, what a sad human being he is,' James blasted. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'It's a big enough island! You know? I'm not asking you to come and see me. 'And weirdly, house prices went through the roof the moment he left, actually, and I don't know whether the house prices went up because he had left or because I'd arrived, but there's gotta be some connection.' Wonderwall singer Noel began splitting his time between the UK and the party island in 1999 when he purchased a home there for £2.5million from Mike Oldfield. It's believed he even had a nightclub named Blunty's at the bottom of his garden, which featured a neon sign reading 'Where everyone is beautiful' in a nod to James's chart-topping tune. However, things turned sour when the High Flying Birds frontman said he was 'fed up of hearing James Blunt bang on about Ibiza like he owns the place'. A source added previously: 'He can't stand the thought of Blunt writing crap tunes up the road.' Consequently, Noel felt James's presence had 'taken the charm out' of the Spanish island, and he put his villa on the market for a whopping £5.5m in 2008. As for Damon, 57, songwriter James isn't his biggest fan either. 'There I was on Jools Holland, and at the end of the Jools Holland show, they take a picture of all the musicians, and Damon Albarn refused to be in that photo because I was on the episode with him,' James shared. 'He said that in front of you?', host Jake asked. 'No, his management went and spoke to the producers of the show, and he's a big deal, so they went along with that, which is bizarre too because they should've just told him not to be such a p***k,' James replied. 'And so I was then held back in my dressing room … while all the musicians were lined up around Jools Holland for the photo with Damon, and then he was led out to his car and off he went home, and I was brought out for the second photo, and only one of those makes the Wall of Fame, but it's very petty stuff.' On why his name has come up so often in these conversations, James had an articulate response. 'It's very easy for us as musicians, or people in the public eye, to fall for the trap when we're trying to flog our own music, when someone says, 'Which album don't you like?' or 'Which musician don't you like?' We just fall for that,' he explained. 'And it's too easy for us to start saying, 'I don't like this person, I don't like that person…' and we say whoever's the easiest whipping boy or girl at the time, and I happen to be that person.' Thankfully, though, there has been one person who had James's back… and it might not be someone you'd expect it from. More Trending 'There I am at the Q Awards, and I'm up for one of the awards, and I guess the Gorillaz were up for the same award,' he recalled. 'I was lucky enough that day to get it, so maybe Damon was…,' James began, not finishing his sentence but seemingly suggesting Gorillaz star Damon might have resented his triumph. 'But there, Keith Flint of The Prodigy, what a rock star, what a punk rock star, a guy you'd think would be the most unfriendly, he just came up, grabbed me, put his arms around me, and said, 'Good for you, mate, I'm so thrilled for your success,' and it was a hug that meant a lot to me at the time. 'He was an amazing, gentle, kind human being.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Oasis have let down UK music with their choice of support act MORE: Bob Vylan singer slams Damon Albarn as 'out of touch' after Glastonbury criticism MORE: Glastonbury headliner rocks out at Oasis gig despite Noel Gallagher beef
